|
 by Arturo Riera
For jazz lovers, it just doesn't get any better than the Monterey Jazz Festival. While it all unfolds at the fairgrounds, Monterey's mystique starts at hallowed venues such as Dizzy's Den, Garden Stage, and The Nightclub.
The Jimmy Lyons Stage, named after the founder of the Monterey Jazz Festival, hosts the best in jazz. Historic acts are part of the Monterey vibe and this year the Lyons stage featured LP artists Giovanni Hidalgo and Milton Cardona playing with Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro- Latin Jazz Orchestra. They were the final act of the festival and they swung under a clear sky. The night had begun with Violinist Regina Carter's quintet featuring LP artist Mayra Casales on percussion. Mayra took a djembe solo that drove people to their feet begging for more.
Jack DeJohnette and his Latin Project held forth at Dizzy's Den and featured Giovanni Hidalgo on congas. The climax of their show was Jack and Giovanni trading licks. As the energy accelerated, the grins on the faces of these two masters widened. The audience rose to its feet in appreciation.
 LP artist John Santos played with Grammy winner Mark Levine. John Calloway's Diaspora saw the noted flautist-arranger playing LP gear throughout the show, with the climax being a simultaneous flute and timbales solo.
For jazz and Latin fans, it will go down as another magical weekend. Special thanks go to Monterey Jazz Festival Director Tim Jackson, Production Manager David Murray, Mike Wilmot and the stage crew, Dennis Broughton (The Samba Colonel), and SIR San Francisco.
|
